Budo Taijutsu at the Bujinkan Shingitai-Ichi Dojo –Before the death of his teacher in 1972, Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, head of the Bujinkan Dojo of Japan, inherited nine martial lineages, dating back thousands of years. These schools constitute a vast array of information, much of it esoteric.
The Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu, and Gikan Ryu represent some of the oldest teachings and base their strategies on shaping protective positions under adversity while undermining an opponents. The Shinden Fudo Ryu, Kukishinden Ryu, and Takagi Yoshin Ryu are of samurai decent and contain forms for striking, Jujutsu-type techniques, weapons, and utilizing armor. The Togakure Ryu, Kumogakure Ryu, and Gyokushin Ryu represent what are generally recognized as the only surviving schools of Ninpo, the art of the oft-misunderstood ninja. The ancient methods they perceived established warriorship not only as a path to martial ability, but a search for the moral-physical philosophy to activate it ethically.
Today, students are not expected to memorize the techniques of each school as this would be a vain attempt to answer real-life threats in a stylized manner. Instead, our training philosophy dictates just the opposite mastering shared principles creates an all-encompassing art of universal truths.
Our method is Shin Gi Tai I Chi – intuitive “agreement” of the heart, technique, and body – replacing static, imitation of technique with a direct connection to the ebb and flow of martial principles in constant flux. This focus results in contextual and effective tactical insight for protection of self and others – all others, even enemies, if possible – and fosters the creative adaptability necessary to “be” skilled today, instead of always training to “become” skilled. Through this warrior art we can unlock our potential, calibrate our moral compass, coach others in its ways, and save lives.
“Protectives” Training with James Morganelli
Starting March of 2022, you can join instructor James Morganelli for “Protectives” training in Chicago.
The new class will focus on strategies, tactics, and techniques for the protection and defense of self-and-others.
Similar to “combatives,” the training is known as Shugoshin, “protector ethic” in Japanese, and will be a high-intensity session in the fundamentals of martial tactics, but from the perspective of a protector. It is based upon Morganelli’s 40-plus years of martial arts training, expertise in conflict resolution, and principles from his award-winning book, The Protector Ethic: Morality, Virtue, and Ethics in the Martial Way.
Participants will be coached in flexibility and resiliency, maneuvering drills, defense techniques, and scenario-based problem solving to learn to detect, avoid, deescalate, and ultimately face real-world violence. A protector mindset and pressure-tested martial habits will be enhanced through the clarity of universal values for the ethical use of martial ability.
About the Instructor
Training is led by James Morganelli, a Chicago-based writer, consultant, teacher, and trainer. James has studied martial arts for more than 40 years, including Eastern and Western styles, and lived and trained in Tokyo, Japan for three years. He has a Master of Arts in Social Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago, with a concentration in Applied Ethics and Natural Law. He holds certification in Verbal Defense and Influence from the Verbal Judo Institute, is a master instructor in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, and is a staff member at Resolution Group International, professional conflict resolution experts dedicated to teaching ethical, verbal, and physical skills to civilians, law enforcement, and the military. He is the chief instructor of the Shingitai-Ichi Dojo, which he founded in 1998.
Class Schedule and Cost
Monday
8:00 – 9:30 pm
$20 per class
All skill levels, including beginners, are welcome.
Zanshin No Kamae means never to forget that one must fight the enemy without cruelty, and this is evidence of the mental preparation needed of budo.